Mary Kielty

Mary Ellen (Shelley) Kielty, 87, of Pecatonica, IL, passed away in her home on the morning of November 6, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Litchfield, Minnesota, to James and Catherine (Campbell) Shelley on August 29, 1938. She was raised in Darwin, MN, with her three siblings.
Mary went on to create a joyful and fulfilling life, marrying her husband Wayne Kielty on December 26, 1959. Together they built a beautiful family of six children. Mary lived in many places around the Midwest, most notably Defiance, OH, and Pecatonica, IL, where she raised her family and lived after retiring from her career as a nurse.
Mary was known to many as a charitable woman with a big heart and a strong Catholic faith. She was a loyal parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pecatonica, IL, where she spent much of her time volunteering for church events and helping out the community. In 2015, Mary was awarded the Woman of the Year Award for her Outstanding Christian Service by the Rockford Deanery Council of Catholic Women.
Much like her faith, Mary was equally devoted to her friends and family. As a mother to six, grandmother to fourteen, and great-grandmother to eight, she was significantly involved in each and every one of their lives. Mary could often be found attending the sporting events, theater productions, concerts, ceremonies, and more of her loving grandchildren. Additionally, Mary spent lots of time with her friends as a member of many clubs and social groups in her community.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband Wayne, and sister Sharon. She is survived by her children Stephen, Susan (John) Parry, Julie (Robert) Seymour, Arthur (Carrie), John, Theresa (Eric) Miller; her siblings Patricia (Darrell) Vick and James "Buck" (Emmy) Shelley; and her many beloved grandkids and great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Saturday, November 15 from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at McCorkle Funeral Home-Pecatonica Chapel 203 W 5th St. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pecatonica with a burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice, PO BOX 462, Oregon, IL 61061 or the Pecatonica Food Pantry, PO BOX 610, Pecatonica, IL 61063.